Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): San Jose - Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet
- Location(s): Costa Rica
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
OTS: Organization for Tropical Studies
This academically rigorous program, offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), will provide you with a strong understanding of tropical ecology, natural resource management, and conservation. It employs a combination of field and clas... read more
All Reviews
I learned a lot about biology and research in the tropics, as well as improving my ability to present scientific information in both Spanish and English. It was worthwhile and will help me in the future. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned that I don't want to do research in the tropics, but may be interested elsewhere. I also gained a lot of confidence doing field work. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned alot about biology, and also about myself and what i am comfortable with and what i am not comfortable with A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Yes! Melanie D - Providence College View Entire Review
I'm happy I went, but I'm not sure I would choose this program again. I loved the field experience and hands-on learning that I gained from it, but I had a tough group, that I got pretty sick of by the end of the experience, so I was pretty ready to come home. I think it was a challenge, and it was important to learn to handle w... Lindsay B - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. I now have better time management, and a clearer understanding of the research and scientific paper writing process and I got to do/see so many things that I would have never seen in a traditional university setting. In terms of career plans, I now know that field research in the tropics isn't what I'm cut... Jordan H - Trinity University View Entire Review
Absolutely. Would do it again if I could Anthony h - Concordia College - Moorhead View Entire Review
My cultural awareness was only lightly impacted, but my excitement for biology increased ten-fold. Erik V - Carleton College View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was wonderful. I learned things that I could not have learned at my college. The program made me realize my desire to pursue a future in medicine and global health, and gave me an entirely new perspective from which to view my country and the world. Katelin S - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes, the OTS Tropical Biology program expanded my horizons and outlook on life and the impact I have on the planet. I learned a great deal about the research process of the tropical ecologist and saw amazing plants and animals in the Costa Rican jungle. Andrew K - Tulane University View Entire Review
Learned lots about the culture and research methods. Worthwhile indeed Vera C - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Heck ya it was worthwhile! I would go back in a second! I learned a ton about tropical ecology, conservation, and current environmental issues, all important things. But more than that, I got to spend four months living with amazing, intelligent people that love the same things I do, who would get excited about birds and plan... Jordan B - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica and a lot about issues in sustainability, ecotourism, etc. I got a feel for the field of field biology and I met amazing students with great ideas. I had a great time, overall. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes, definitely a worthwhile learning experience. Tyler P - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned more about myself and about human interaction than I thought I ever could on this program. Granted I learned a lot of very interesting information about ecology, conservation, and the related economic and social issues. However, the more valuable portion of the experience for me was the process of discovering more abou... Anna D - Grinnell College View Entire Review
Definitely. Shemi B - Tulane University View Entire Review
100% yes! Anthony C - Presbyterian College View Entire Review
My mind was opened to so many new ideas for conservation issues and preservation. Field trips were a daily occurance and everything was seen and taught first hand. i believe every person should leave their country at least once. Melissa V - University of New Mexico View Entire Review
Yes- the experiences and friends made are invaluable. I learned that it is easy to have idealistic thoughts in the classroom, but having the tangible experiences is completely different. Cataia I - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes, the study abroad program was definitely worth while. The only reason I said I would not do this same program was because I realized while there, I was not as interested in medicine as I had thought. If it was the same program, faculty, location, everything but with a different academic focus I would absolutely do it again... Michael W - Providence College View Entire Review
About
This academically rigorous program, offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), will provide you with a strong understanding of tropical ecology, natural resource management, and conservation. It employs a combination of field and classroom instruction, hands-on research, and cultural exchange that will allow you to broaden your academic and personal horizons in the context of a supportive learning environment. You will learn about conservation in the tropics through a series of field-based case studies conducted alongside ecologists and local stakeholders. You will participate in an intensive Spanish course and experience a homestay. You will work with resident faculty and a variety of visiting professors to develop both faculty-directed and independent research projects. Many biologists are invited to give lectures, lead field trips, and direct projects. At each site, the program draws on the knowledge and experiences of local farmers, bioreserve owners, and community groups to provide a down-to-earth and personal perspective on conservation policies and practices. During this program, you will gain an understanding of tropical diversity by seeing and touching plants, insects, and other biota found in the tropics. You will develop research skills by learning to ask appropriate scientific questions and testing your own hypotheses. You will experience living and working in a variety of ecosystems—from rainforest to cloud forest to páramo to dry forest. Your Spanish will improve as you study the language and live with a Costa Rican family during your homestay. By the end of this program, you will have developed a deep understanding about human impacts on tropical biodiversity while having established professional connections with tropical biologists and lasting friendships with your classmates.
